XCOM 2
192 ratings
2K Launcher Workaround
By Cyan
Instructions on how to bypass the 2k Launcher and directly launch the game, without external files or configuration.
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2K Launcher Fix
For some reason, the 2K Launcher breaks and XCOM 2 fails to start. Here's how to bypass it and utilize the original launcher. Hopefully this saves someone time searching for a simple workaround.

Note: Launching via the old launcher will create redscreen errors in the game and it will think it's in debug mode. It's important to use a shortcut and include the command line prompts to have the game behave normally.

Step One: Navigate to the steam folder where xcom 2 is installed. Typically: Program Files (x86)\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\XCOM 2\Binaries\Win64\Launcher

Step Two: Create a shortcut to ModLauncherWPF, and place in desired location, start menu, etc.

Step Three: Open Shortcut properties. Add -noredscreens -review to the end of the target box. Should look like this: "...Win64\Launcher\ModLauncherWPF.exe" -noredscreens -review

Step Four: Run via shortcut, click play.

Old launcher files:
53 Comments
K.O.2 Nov 23, 2023 @ 3:55pm 
It worked for me. Thanks!
SkytheAlicorn Aug 13, 2023 @ 12:43am 
how do you enable console for this?
zAcEz Feb 12, 2023 @ 5:23am 
Anyway to default to WOTC?
wolololo_59 Jul 21, 2022 @ 6:49am 
the Launcher folder that contains the ModLauncherWPF is missing in Binaries\Win64 folder. Anyone can help?
D3ATHSWPRG0LD Jul 13, 2022 @ 3:16am 
Thank you that was the best solution by far for me
LordSion Feb 15, 2022 @ 5:01pm 
all i get is a red screen and my saved characters are ruined
BigYeezy Feb 12, 2022 @ 12:52pm 
[quote=Royal Raven;5558008063106318345]Did you try this:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2567200024

I believe it will allow you to mod also. [/quote]

im not very good with computer lang but ive followed the instructions to get to the part with teh screen fix. But i havent been able to achieve no red screening. Is there someone who has done it that can walk me through that part?
Royal Raven Feb 12, 2022 @ 10:01am 
Thanks, worked for me.
uncus2 Dec 10, 2021 @ 9:49am 
Launcher runs but the game crashes when starting/running xcom2.exe. No error msg given.
Worked up to 2-3 days ago [8 Dec?]
Snare Dec 10, 2021 @ 2:40am 
at least epic games had the good taste to let us keep rocket league instead of forcing us into their launcher on top of steam.

i bet 2k will end up doing the same but give everyone a free copy for their launcher instead of keeping it supported on steam